Monsoon fan here: http://vapingunderground.com/threads/hics-mixes-diy-recipes-store.54921/page-41#post-849735 . I don't have much to add to that...yet!
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HIC's Mixes: DIY recipes store
- Thread starter HeadInClouds
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Monsoon fan here: http://vapingunderground.com/threads/hics-mixes-diy-recipes-store.54921/page-41#post-849735 . I don't have much to add to that...yet!
*applause* on all the nic testing you've done!
Now I'll have to try summathat Carolina nic.
I've always had trouble with honey; it keeps on overpowering all other flavours. However, it's perfect here even at the highest given percentage.
Lol!
Bought the recipe a while back but just made it. Cantaloupe Crush is another that's darn good. No surprise here, all of Hic's recipes are delish! Some I enjoy even more with the variations he lists. So definitely try his variations as well!
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Such a rebel. lol
It's a good idea to try a little of any mix like that, just to taste how it changes as it ages. Well, maybe not with tobacco flavors...
You can count me among the Monsoon fans, HIC. I still don't know why the tastes are so familiar (plural because it's so complex) but I've almost finished my first 50 ml at 3.5% and still keep coming back to it. My own NETs aside, it's the only standalone flavor I currently mix.
2% is plenty strong for me with the Monsoon. It's a bit reminiscent of Murdock's Maja Ras. Doesn't taste like it, but brings it to mind. I'm getting mostly cherry blossom, citrus, and mango with a light vanilla back note. Very good, but not something I could vape all day personally. It's a great change of pace from everyday fruits for sure. I can see a lot of people loving this.
Damnit. I totally forgot about the HICS recipes I bought last week! I got so caught up with the clone I'm perfecting (and I'm damn close). Gotta order a flavor or two and whip up some new HICs!
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HIC, take a break bro! My flavor stash can't keep up with recipes!
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amanda.brock
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I am in the same boat I bought a recipe and then only just remembered when I was ordering
It can't hurt to try a little. Just save some for later, too.
Just purchased Hic's Greek Melopita recipe! A mixing we will go!
Holy cow - I mixed this up a couple of days ago and am vaping it now - it's delicious! Time to make a BIG bottle
Did you add the FA Rose? Enjoy!Holy cow - I mixed this up a couple of days ago and am vaping it now - it's delicious! Time to make a BIG bottle
Well, I really didn't enjoy my introduction to Nonna's Cake via HIC's Strawberry Crown Cake recipe. After a 3-day steep, it had the exact same faintly sour note as LorAnn's Cream Cheese Icing (which was repulsive enough to stick in my brain almost a full year after the one and only time I mixed with it).
But apparently Nonna just likes to take her time, because a week later, this SCC is fantastic! I didn't think the FA Strawberry would survive that long, but it's definitely still there and nicely balanced with the cake.
Now I'm eyeing up my NF Carrot Cake and wondering if perhaps Nonna would like to step in for LorAnn......
But apparently Nonna just likes to take her time, because a week later, this SCC is fantastic! I didn't think the FA Strawberry would survive that long, but it's definitely still there and nicely balanced with the cake.
Now I'm eyeing up my NF Carrot Cake and wondering if perhaps Nonna would like to step in for LorAnn......
What are you planning on for your NF Carrot Cake? I have it too from Hic's Carrot Cake Frappuccino which is delicious. But haven't done anything else with that flavor.
kimsmm
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It is worth every bit of money that you spend to make it! I made a 200 ml batch of it to start and that was gone in a week. I vaped the heck out of it. It is heavenly. I love lemon vapes and HIC did not dissappoint! Enjoy
I totally agree!!!It is worth every bit of money that you spend to make it! I made a 200 ml batch of it to start and that was gone in a week. I vaped the heck out of it. It is heavenly. I love lemon vapes and HIC did not dissappoint! Enjoy
I'm thinking I might try to fluff the carrot cake up with a bit of Nonna and some NF Malt. Nonna's has a sort of cream cheese vibe going on with a nice cakey exhale, and I already know that malt is a great sweetener for CC. 3% Carrot cake, 2% Nonna, and maybe .5% of Malt along with a touch of FA Cardamom sounds like a good starting point.
Sounds great! Think I'll give it a shot too! Let us know how it turns out for you!
@Heartsdelight I shall!
I'm hoping to jog something a little more satisfying out of that damn NF CC. A well-made, perfectly moist carrot cake is my favorite dessert of all time plus eternity, so I think my brain is wired to be dubious of anything that claims to taste like one (especially when I can't smoosh it between my teeth and generally just nom the hell out of it). Google "Grandma Hiers Carrot Cake." Yeah, that's the one. Paula Deen is a sex machine.
HIC's CC Frap works well for me because, yes, I would LOVE to have a cup of coffee and a slab of cake with Paula Deen thank you very much. Nevertheless, I'm curious to see if I can coax a classic carrot cake flavor out of it. The sweet and spice are right, and I've discovered that FA Walnut is essential, but the cake element isn't quite on the money. It just needs more body. FW Yellow Cake props it up a bit, but FW Yellow Cake is also a snooty coil wrecking fructose infused high maintenance bitch, so we don't go out much any more.
I'm hoping to jog something a little more satisfying out of that damn NF CC. A well-made, perfectly moist carrot cake is my favorite dessert of all time plus eternity, so I think my brain is wired to be dubious of anything that claims to taste like one (especially when I can't smoosh it between my teeth and generally just nom the hell out of it). Google "Grandma Hiers Carrot Cake." Yeah, that's the one. Paula Deen is a sex machine.
HIC's CC Frap works well for me because, yes, I would LOVE to have a cup of coffee and a slab of cake with Paula Deen thank you very much. Nevertheless, I'm curious to see if I can coax a classic carrot cake flavor out of it. The sweet and spice are right, and I've discovered that FA Walnut is essential, but the cake element isn't quite on the money. It just needs more body. FW Yellow Cake props it up a bit, but FW Yellow Cake is also a snooty coil wrecking fructose infused high maintenance bitch, so we don't go out much any more.
Ok you're making me drool
. Ima going to check HIC's recipe now & see. I'll let you know.
Ok based on what you noted & looking at Hic's recipe. This is what I came up with, I made 10ml Vaping it on my Marquis clone, vertical coils .15 ohm 32 watts, it's pretty good. Gonna let it steep some & see how it changes.Ok you're making me drool
2.5% NF Carrot Cake
2% FA Nonna's Cake
1% FA Butterscotch
1% FA Caramel
.5% NF Malt
.25% FA Cardamom
.25% Walnut
Will post back after it seeps.
I don't, but I wish I did! I've often been asked.
I would totally fulfill that woman's naughtiest desires. And by then the cake should be finished baking and we'd both eat it in the afterglow.
@Heartsdelight go with it, and let us know all about it! I'm set for some creative mixing this weekend myself, and CC is on the ingredients list.
<stepping onto a soapbox>
If you try to avoid or limit diketones in vaping, please take the time to read this whole post. If diketones are not an issue for you, please skip it.
a short history lesson
In 2010 FlavourArt was the first flavoring manufacturer to acknowledge their vaping customers’ desire to avoid diacetyl. FA heeded studies that indicated other alpha-diketones were similarly suspect, and they began reformulations to eliminate “diacetyl and related diketones.” Some flavorings could not be reformulated with satisfactory results. FA split all flavorings with any diacetyl into their “Kitchen Magic” line, adding warnings that they contained diacetyl and were not suitable for vaping.
Here is what’s remarkable: During the reformulation project, FA publicly posted lab tests of diacetyl content. Some that could not be reformulated contained under one part-per-million of diacetyl -- yet FA tagged them as “unsuitable for vaping.” Remember, this was early 2011. No other manufacturers were even looking for such low concentrations at the time - much less providing warnings to avoid inhalation.
Over the next few years, some other manufacturers took note of vapers’ wishes. Their responses differed. At least one issued a blanket disclaimer that their flavorings were not intended for inhalation. One made “diacetyl free” claims that independent lab tests revealed to be outright lies - repeatedly. Several made “diacetyl free” claims technically true by substituting acetyl propionyl (another alpha-diketone with similar biological impact). Some used a convenient loophole: food-labeling regulations permit <0.5% diacetyl concentrations to be labeled “diacetyl free.” Often times, these marketing tactics were combined to intentionally mislead vapers.
As others in the industry began addressing diacetyl, FlavourArt moved beyond that with their ClearStream project. Teaming with scientists and physicians, they began testing the effect of vaporized e-liquid versus tobacco smoke on living cells.
Recently FlavourArt took another leap with ClearStream Onward (http://www.clearstreamonward.com/the-project-clearstream-onward/). These test results include objective measures of toxicity of vaporized flavorings on lung epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells. Clearly, no other manufacturer is as committed to the vape community as FlavourArt. This research and dedication to providing us consumer safety information is unparalleled and unlikely to be matched by any other company.
about The Flavor Apprentice
TFA deserves an honorable mention in any vape-related discussion of flavor manufacturers. Like FlavourArt, TFA recognized the vaping industry early, they strive to provide information relevant to vapers, and they’ve been developing alternative formulations for some of their flavorings. Most notably, as other companies sometimes resorted to deceit and dishonesty to market to vapers, TFA provided us this: http://shop.perfumersapprentice.com/specsheetlist.aspx. TFA is unique in the industry for revealing molecules in their flavorings of interest to vapers, allowing us to research and decide for ourselves which we’re willing to use. For this transparency, TFA deserves our respect.
If you are a DIYer serious about avoiding diketones, the limitations of TFA’s data and testing methods are important to acknowledge. As TFA clearly states, their tests are ongoing, so component lists can be incomplete and are subject to change. Sometimes a flavoring will vanish from the list, perhaps reappearing later with updated information. Though changes are typically insignificant, if you diligently avoid specific ingredients, double-check their reported data now and then (perhaps when you need to restock). Also note that TFA reports concentrations of selected components down to tenths of 1%, which is parts-per-thousand. (Recall FlavourArt’s 2011 tests at parts-per-million by comparison.) TFA also clearly states, “these are approximations only and are not definitive.”
The reported information for TFA Brown Sugar: http://shop.perfumersapprentice.com/componentlist.aspx?sku_search=343021 now shows “<0.2%” for both acetoin and acetyl propionyl - neither of which were previously listed as components for this flavoring. These are the lowest concentration figures I've ever seen TFA report for any component, but I know this is significant to a number of DIYers here. Six of my store recipes use 1% or less of this flavoring along with only diketone-free FlavourArt flavors. I’ll be changing some descriptions at my store to reflect this. The recipes and flavoring are unchanged -- we just have more detailed information from TFA.
My philosophy is that we each have a right to decide what ingredients we use, and the more information we have available, the more informed our decisions will be. With that in mind, I'll always pass along information like this, hoping to reach anyone who needs to know.
If you try to avoid or limit diketones in vaping, please take the time to read this whole post. If diketones are not an issue for you, please skip it.
a short history lesson
In 2010 FlavourArt was the first flavoring manufacturer to acknowledge their vaping customers’ desire to avoid diacetyl. FA heeded studies that indicated other alpha-diketones were similarly suspect, and they began reformulations to eliminate “diacetyl and related diketones.” Some flavorings could not be reformulated with satisfactory results. FA split all flavorings with any diacetyl into their “Kitchen Magic” line, adding warnings that they contained diacetyl and were not suitable for vaping.
Here is what’s remarkable: During the reformulation project, FA publicly posted lab tests of diacetyl content. Some that could not be reformulated contained under one part-per-million of diacetyl -- yet FA tagged them as “unsuitable for vaping.” Remember, this was early 2011. No other manufacturers were even looking for such low concentrations at the time - much less providing warnings to avoid inhalation.
Over the next few years, some other manufacturers took note of vapers’ wishes. Their responses differed. At least one issued a blanket disclaimer that their flavorings were not intended for inhalation. One made “diacetyl free” claims that independent lab tests revealed to be outright lies - repeatedly. Several made “diacetyl free” claims technically true by substituting acetyl propionyl (another alpha-diketone with similar biological impact). Some used a convenient loophole: food-labeling regulations permit <0.5% diacetyl concentrations to be labeled “diacetyl free.” Often times, these marketing tactics were combined to intentionally mislead vapers.
As others in the industry began addressing diacetyl, FlavourArt moved beyond that with their ClearStream project. Teaming with scientists and physicians, they began testing the effect of vaporized e-liquid versus tobacco smoke on living cells.
Recently FlavourArt took another leap with ClearStream Onward (http://www.clearstreamonward.com/the-project-clearstream-onward/). These test results include objective measures of toxicity of vaporized flavorings on lung epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells. Clearly, no other manufacturer is as committed to the vape community as FlavourArt. This research and dedication to providing us consumer safety information is unparalleled and unlikely to be matched by any other company.
about The Flavor Apprentice
TFA deserves an honorable mention in any vape-related discussion of flavor manufacturers. Like FlavourArt, TFA recognized the vaping industry early, they strive to provide information relevant to vapers, and they’ve been developing alternative formulations for some of their flavorings. Most notably, as other companies sometimes resorted to deceit and dishonesty to market to vapers, TFA provided us this: http://shop.perfumersapprentice.com/specsheetlist.aspx. TFA is unique in the industry for revealing molecules in their flavorings of interest to vapers, allowing us to research and decide for ourselves which we’re willing to use. For this transparency, TFA deserves our respect.
If you are a DIYer serious about avoiding diketones, the limitations of TFA’s data and testing methods are important to acknowledge. As TFA clearly states, their tests are ongoing, so component lists can be incomplete and are subject to change. Sometimes a flavoring will vanish from the list, perhaps reappearing later with updated information. Though changes are typically insignificant, if you diligently avoid specific ingredients, double-check their reported data now and then (perhaps when you need to restock). Also note that TFA reports concentrations of selected components down to tenths of 1%, which is parts-per-thousand. (Recall FlavourArt’s 2011 tests at parts-per-million by comparison.) TFA also clearly states, “these are approximations only and are not definitive.”
The reported information for TFA Brown Sugar: http://shop.perfumersapprentice.com/componentlist.aspx?sku_search=343021 now shows “<0.2%” for both acetoin and acetyl propionyl - neither of which were previously listed as components for this flavoring. These are the lowest concentration figures I've ever seen TFA report for any component, but I know this is significant to a number of DIYers here. Six of my store recipes use 1% or less of this flavoring along with only diketone-free FlavourArt flavors. I’ll be changing some descriptions at my store to reflect this. The recipes and flavoring are unchanged -- we just have more detailed information from TFA.
My philosophy is that we each have a right to decide what ingredients we use, and the more information we have available, the more informed our decisions will be. With that in mind, I'll always pass along information like this, hoping to reach anyone who needs to know.
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I can't say enough good things about this post. It's extraordinarily well written, concise, accurate and above all, useful!
Thanks so much for doing the research, making the effort, and being so awesome.
If you have a sweet tooth and like fruity dessert vapes, put FlavourArt Monsoon on your shopping list! As far as I can tell, only ecigexpress has it in the US right now.
View attachment 36778View attachment 36777
That's white cake and candied "tutti fruitty" bits. I taste candied cherries, candied orange peel, and other candied fruits (papaya?) that come and go, hard to identify, but a complex blend of bright candied fruit bits. It's among FA's sweetest flavors.
Try 2% or 2.5% standalone for a first mix. As a shake and vape the fruit is strong; after a couple days the fruits mellow and the background white-vanilla cake flavor gains strength. Around 3% standalone the vapor trail gets fragrant, like some kind of fruity incense, so less than 3% pleased me more. I'd call the fruit blend "aromatic" - but there are no flowers here (thank goodness!)
Monsoon is in hot competition with Vienna Cream as my favorite FA standalone flavor. I've been mixing with Monsoon but keep finding I prefer it standalone! YUM!
P.S. If you buy flavors based on the manufacture's or vendors' names/descriptions, you'll have to be brave and/or trust me. I would have named it Tutti-Frutty Wedding Cake (it's different fruits than FA's "Tutti-Frutty", so I see why they didn't).
I didn't realize until I read this post that FA Monsoon had any hint of "cake"... which makes me much more susceptible to trying it. From the description, it sounds a lot like traditional fruitcake--except, I guess, that the cake flavor is not so dense/eggy?
I carefully avoided using the word "fruitcake" since it brings to mind those dark brown, booze-soaked, dense monstrosities best used as a doorstop. lol
it's not like that and definitely not eggy. It's my favorite FA flavor for a single-flavor mix (shhhhh, don't tell my Vienna Cream). "Cake" is my own perception; I think FA described it as a "polyhedral celebration" - I'm not even kidding, most hilarious flavor description ever.
Seriously, read this description: http://flavourart.com/en/store/flavors/emotions/e-motions-monsoon-flavor/. I hope they leave it like that forever. (P.S., obviously I do not agree with their description, so you'll have to try it yourself to see who got it right)
"Imagine the Monsoon wind racing over the ocean to the rain forest, twisting and turning through groves of fruit trees, slowing to absorb the sweet freshness before laying itself gently across a field of Vanilla..."
Oh, lol. omg. Is there a picture of Fabio on the bottle or what?
Polyhedral. Those wacky I-talians
Oh, lol. omg. Is there a picture of Fabio on the bottle or what?
Polyhedral. Those wacky I-talians
I love this flavour but I swear it tastes like a Pixie Stick. Aaaahhh......memories of my childhood. My mother in law tried this and then I HAD to make her a bottle. Was my first bottle of diy that I ever made for her.
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
You rock HIC! You are a gem! With your knowledge, innate ability with flavor & eloquent descriptions! Please don't ever leave us! Thanks for all you do!
Yes, but I love Monsoon so much that I'll mix it at night and vape it in the morning.
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
midknight, do you taste the tobacco in Monsoon?
No, I don't taste tobacco at all which is a major plus for me seeing as the last time I smoked a stinkie with mom I hated it.
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
Me too. I've been off of tobacco flavours for about a year now and the few times that I've tried mom's tobacco flavours I have to take some puffs off of my mod just to get the taste out of my mouth.
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested.
